Two-Wheel Two-Step: July, 2014

August 19, 2014

By Shine

On May 10, the Cherokee Chapter of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America held their annual Bike Show in Smithville at the City Park Pavilion. Although the event pulled in more vendors than ever and public attendance was way up, the number of motorcycles that were in the show was a bit less than in previous years. This was attributed to the event falling on Mother’s Day Weekend. During the group’s membership meeting that Saturday afternoon, it was suggested that an alternative location be considered for future shows, relocating closer to I-35 to get a better draw from Oklahoma and the San Antonio area. (The Cherokee Chapter covers all of Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas.) So if you’ve got an old bike and are not yet a member of the AMCA, you should consider joining. Go to www.antiquemotorcycle.org for all the details on membership, and remember to “ride ’em, don’t hide ’em”… Also on that day, the annual Art Car Parade was held in downtown Houston. Presented by the Orange Show, this is the largest parade of its type in the world. And while it focuses on four-wheeled vehicles, there are always a few bikes created by inventive builders and added to the zany mix. Along with the Parade there is also the Main Street Drag held on Thursday night and the Art Car Ball held on Friday. And if you’ve never had the chance to visit the Houston Art Car Museum, 140 Heights Boulevard, you should take the opportunity. There is no admission charged (donations are welcome) and the vehicles on display are rotated throughout the year. Just be certain to check their website (www.artcarmuseum.com) before taking the ride over since they are closed several times during the year for the installation of new displays… But I missed both the Smithville Show and the Art Car Parade on May 10 since I had something a little closer to my heart going on. That was the day when I gathered a bunch of family and close friends of my husband at the Good Ole Boys Ranch near Katy for a surprise birthday party. A catered meal of barbecue with all the trimmings, a DJ spinning tunes we stole from hubby’s private playlist, and plenty of libations and presents made the day complete. So happy 60th birthday, Robert Filla (editor of this magazine), and in his words, “Now, time for the second half.”… On May 24, the 6th annual Texas Hoedown put in an appearance at the Waller County Fairgrounds. This was a new venue for the event put on by the Hellions CarClub and was a great location for a day filled with pre-’72 hotrods, muscle cars, rats, choppers and bobbers, live music, a Pin-Up Girl Contest and roller derby action by some mighty tough gals. Unfortunately there are never a huge amount of bikes on display, which is a shame. The few that were being presented were top-shelf examples of the craft, and we can only hope with the new site comes an increase in the number of two-wheelers… Swung by Jimbo’s Road House the other day for a beer and found out that they are now holding services every Sunday. The Brotherhood Biker Church welcomes all for their “Come As You Are Services” at 10:00 a.m. Jimbo’s is located at 35230 Hempstead Highway in Hockley and features live music only on the weekend, along with a mighty friendly wait staff… On May 26, the Discovery Channel presented episode 3 of their new bike-building series #BikerLive tagged the Lone Star State. The show pitted Bacon’s Speed Shop in Manvel, Misfit Industries of Plano and Houston Retro Bobbers from Webster against each other. Bacon’s, operated by some country boys working out of Dad’s garage, built a sportbike with a Sportster motor and… brought home the bacon and the win… At the end of May, Rick Fairless of Strokers Dallas made the announcement that he and his wife, Susan, have purchased the former Big State Drug in Irving. Rick stated, “Big State has been in business since 1948 and is a part of Irving history. Susan and I jumped at the opportunity to own this historic Irving business. The new business, which we will call “Big State Fountain Grill,” is a partnership between Susan and I. Susan is a fifth-generation Irvingite, and I could not do this business without her and her mother Betty Beaufford Bessler.” Whether there will be a tie-dyed theme is yet to be announced… The Black Gold Motorcycle Rally will be held on July 18–20 at the La Hacienda Event Center in Midland. Gates open at 2:00 p.m. on Friday with activities including a bike show, field events and a Saturday poker run. It’s been held in Goldsmith for as long as I remember, so this change in venues should provide a fresh event. Go to facebook.com/blackgoldrally for additional details. That’s it for me this month. So enjoy the ride and remember to keep the shiny side up.